Individual Differences 1- Personality Evaluation

Question 1

Issue 1- it’s a myth!

Kerr( 1996)

Answer 1

Says that an “addictive personality” is one of the “myths of addiction”.

There are many traits that are listed as part of this addictive personality that are common in most individuals to some degree e.g. everyone shows extraversion at some point in their lives.

Not appropriate to refer to an “addictive personality” as it is more complex than this.

However there is no evidence, it’s just a theory.

Question 2

Supporting evidence- Dong et Al (2013) prospective study

Answer 2

Studied Chinese university students and gave them EPQ when first started university.

2 years later their addiction to internet was assessed.

High N and P scores linked to addiction

+ Showed cause and effect
- it was only done on internet addiction so cant generalise

Question 3

Contradictory evidence- Rozin and stoess ( 1993)

Answer 3

Looked at individuals tendency to become addicted and could not find a common pattern.

They can’t find that in everyone that personality impacts addiction.

• outdated.

Question 4

Issue 2 - dopamine?

Buckholtz et Al (2010)

Answer 4

Many of the personality characteristics involved in addiction show a clear link to dopamine.

Looked at levels of impusivity in non- addicted individuals and recorded what happened in their brains when they were exposed to amphetamines (e.g. speed).

Those with higher impusivity showed more dopamine release in response to drug.

• only looked at amphetamines